§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is aware of the hardship caused by the cost of travelling, time consumed and overcrowded facilities as a result of the moving of the Eccles, Swinton and Pendlebury local social services offices to Salford; if, in the light of the hardship caused, he will now reconsider his decision about the closure of these offices; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DeanI am not aware that the changes in location of the social security offices in the areas mentioned, which were made in 1971, have led to hardship. Fulltime inquiry offices have been retained at Eccles and Swinton, and it should not have been necessary for persons from those localities to travel to Saiford. The overall situation does not appear to have changed in any material way since I wrote to the hon. Member in February 1972, but if he has any particular difficulties in mind I shall be glad to consider them.